I often hear the above words spoken by friends and colleagues in reply to many of the conversation I have about children. I am sick of hearing it, because I honestly believe that 95% of the people suggesting that they wouldn't be able to cope would do a fantastic job.

I suppose their replies are often driven by the fear of possible loss of time and the apparent burden that could be imposed on their life through the birth of a child. Whilst all parents loose some of the luxuries associated with freedom and responsibility of being childless, I honestly believe that being a parent isn't as difficult as both parents and non-parents make-out.

Looking back to when Ted was born it is clear to see in my mind how scared and anxious I was. I didn't feel prepared at all, I don’t think you will ever be ready in life for a child, mentally or financially. The only tough thing we had to deal with was the lack of sleep, he didn't like to sleep, he loved to feed every few hours at night – I think this is because he was born in the morning.

What else was hard about being an parent in the first few months? Maybe feeding but you wouldn't say that was “difficult”, however you would say it was a challenge.

Do people honestly believe that they couldn't care for a baby or are they putting up a smoke-screen in an attempt to shield the fact they simply don’t have their lives in order or are their relationship not “child-proof'?

Being a father is one of the best and most rewarding things I have ever done. The sleepless nights, worrying and hardship pave the way to “man-hood”. Children give you more of a purpose in life, to strive for better, to work hard and reap the rewards. 

Next time someone says they couldn't be a parent i dare you to challenge their belief.